A recent surge in vehicle thefts in Caerphilly county saw 11 Nissan Jukes stolen within a 24-hour period, as part of a wider incident involving 13 vehicles. All stolen vehicles, which also included a Kia Niro and a Nissan Navara, were later recovered following police investigations, according to reports from the BBC and South Wales Argus.
The thefts occurred last Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, prompting concerns about car security, particularly for owners of Nissan Jukes in the wider South West region.
Nissan Jukes Targeted by Thieves
Security experts indicate that Nissan Jukes are frequently targeted by thieves for several reasons. Michael Fraser, an ex-burglar turned security expert, stated that the vehicles have “valuable spare parts” and are “relatively easy to steal.” Data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reportedly shows the Nissan Juke Tekna as the UK’s most stolen car so far in 2026.
Motoring journalist Claire Evans added that older Nissan Juke models (from 2010 to 2019) are particularly vulnerable. As a small SUV, it belongs to the most popular car class, making it easy to sell. These cars are also economical and affordable to run, increasing their appeal to thieves.
How Keyless Car Theft Works
Many 2010 to 2019 Nissan Juke models feature keyless-entry systems, which thieves exploit using signal-relay devices. Michael Fraser explained that criminals use electronic equipment to capture the signal from a car key kept inside a house, often near the front door or even through glass. This captured signal then allows them to unlock and start the vehicle.
Claire, a 49-year-old healthcare assistant from Caerphilly county, experienced this first-hand when her 2016 keyless Nissan Juke N-Connecta was stolen from outside her home in the early hours of September 25. Despite being a light sleeper, she heard nothing, indicating the thieves were “very quiet.” Her car was found two days later, close to her home, after a local resident recognised it from a Facebook appeal. The vehicle is currently with a forensics team.
Protecting Your Vehicle from Theft
To mitigate the risk of keyless car theft, experts and police offer several pieces of advice:
- Key Storage: Keep keyless entry fobs in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or a metal container, such as a biscuit tin, or even the microwave at home. This prevents the code from being copied. Store keys away from the front door and windows.
- Physical Security: Utilise in-car security devices like steering wheel locks (also known as “crook locks”), pedal boxes, and gear stick locks to deter thieves.
- Parking Habits: If parking on a driveway, drive the car on rather than reversing. This forces thieves to reverse first, taking more time. When parking on the street, turn the wheels into the gutter instead of leaving them straight, making the vehicle harder to move.
Claire Evans noted that newer models of the Nissan Juke are “less likely” to be stolen via relay units, as their key fobs stop emitting codes after two minutes of inactivity.
Police Investigation Continues
Gwent Police are actively investigating the thefts and working to identify those responsible. Inspector Richard Tovey confirmed that patrols have been increased across the borough following these reports. The force has urged anyone with information or who witnesses suspicious activity to contact them by calling 101, using the Gwent Police website, or sending a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2600313969. Officers also encourage residents to speak to them if they have any concerns or questions.
